A dinghy carrying 173 people capsized in the Channel after its engine caught fire during a crossing from France, triggering a major joint air and sea rescue operation by UK and French forces.
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Key facts
- A dinghy carrying 173 people capsized in the Channel after its engine caught fire.
- The vessel was attempting to cross from France.
- A major air and sea rescue operation was launched by France and the UK.
- UK Border Security Command boats, French vessels and an RNLI lifeboat took part.
- Passengers were rescued from the water and taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France.
A dinghy carrying 173 people capsized in the Channel after its engine caught fire as it attempted to cross from France, according to the Guardian. The incident triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving both British and French assets at sea and in the air.
The people onboard were rescued from the water following what the Guardian described as a major air and sea operation. French authorities said all passengers were thought to have been taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France.
The rescue drew on resources from both countries. UK Border Security Command boats worked alongside French vessels and an RNLI lifeboat to recover those who had ended up in the water after the dinghy capsized.
Early reporting on the event varied in the number of people said to have been onboard. An initial Guardian report published in the morning put the figure at 157 people, while a later update in the afternoon reported that 173 people had been aboard the dinghy.
The consistent details across the reporting are that the engine caught fire, the dinghy capsized, and a coordinated French and British operation rescued those on board before bringing them to Boulogne-sur-Mer. The Guardian did not report any casualty figures in the available details.
The use of both French vessels and UK Border Security Command boats highlights the cross-Channel cooperation involved in responding to emergencies at sea during attempted crossings.
Why it matters
Small boat crossings of the Channel remain a high-risk and politically charged issue for both the UK and France. An incident involving 173 people and a fire at sea underscores the dangers of these journeys and the scale of the joint rescue efforts required to prevent loss of life.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were on the dinghy?
Reports differed: an early Guardian report said 157 people were onboard, while a later update reported 173 people. The most recent figure cited by the Guardian was 173.
Who carried out the rescue?
According to the Guardian, the rescue was a major air and sea operation involving UK Border Security Command boats, French vessels and an RNLI lifeboat.
Where were the rescued passengers taken?
French authorities said the passengers were being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France, and all were thought to have been brought there.
Timeline
- Dinghy carrying 173 people capsizes in Channel after engine catches fire
The Guardian World: All passengers thought to have been taken to Boulogne after major air and sea rescue operation by France and UK A dinghy carrying 173 people has capsized after its engine caught fire as it attempted to cross the Channel from France. The people onboard were rescued from the water
- Dinghy carrying 157 people capsizes in Channel after engine catches fire
The Guardian World: Passengers rescued by French and British vessels and some being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France A dinghy carrying 157 people has capsized in the Channel after its engine caught fire at sea. They were rescued from the water by French vessels aided by two British Border Securit